True to his word Kohaku watched Jin and Nagi, although he knew all of them personally and would trust any of them in any given situation his pack did not.
Trust took time to which the three of them accepted. Not that anyone was unfriendly to them just somewhat guarded.
Once the effect of the byaku bark had subsided Iku went back to her duties to the household and Riku returned to his post. Entering the main house she went to start her chores deciding to start with Izumi and Kohakus room first.
With the door closed she knocked and entered when Izumi said to.
"Iku." She greeted. "How are you?"
"Well." Walking towards the other she squared her gaze onto the younger female. "Lady Izumi, promise me that you will never use that wretched tree bark."
"Was it so bad?" She questioned furrowing her brow.
"Yes. It was awful. The heat was unlike anything I have ever experienced with no relief for some days." Sighing she placed her hands to Izus shoulders. "I am so glad that yours came on naturally. It would hurt my heart to see you in such a state my lady."
Placing her hands against Ikus she pulled her closer to her to rest her forehead against hers.
"Thank you for coming to me Iku. No one else would have accepted any of this as you and Riku have. I am so glad you were the ones to stay." She said. "Now our pups will be close, like litter mates."
"That would be a great honor. Thank you my lady." Iku said smiling at her. "Now, get out so I can strip your room."
"Yes ma'am." Izumi replied standing to leave. "I have to ask Iku, how is your mate faring after such strenuous activity?"
"Go on Izu." Iku snapped in a way she had done when she was a younger pup. Laughing Izumi left the room with Hisashi following after her.
Rin watched Sana and Jiro as they went towards the tree line together.
"Nen, your brother seems to be getting along well with Sana." Rin said for conversation sake. She had recently decided to take on the task of embroidering the pendant Sesshomaru had given her.
She placed it on the deck beside her for reference as she attempted to do the delicate needlework. Just as when she was younger it was still boring. She wanted a distraction.
Glancing at Nen he merely shrugged.
"Seems so."
"Don't worry Nen. I am sure at some point a female will come that you fancy as well." Rin stated.
"I do not fancy females, Rin." Nen replied.
"Not even demon females?"
"No."
"Do you not wish to have a mate one day?"
"One day, yes." Nen replied smirking to himself. "Just not a female."
"Oh!" Rin flustered placing her project down quickly. Blushing she realized what he had been saying. "I am sorry, I didn't understand."
"It is fine." Nen said. "For long time I did not understand myself, why I had no desire to take a female mate and why I desired another male. It wasn't until I met others like myself that I began to realize how I am."
"In that case I hope that you meet a good husband then." Rin chimed as she smiled at him cheerfully.
"Thank you. Your kindness is unrivaled Rin." He replied causing her to blush again slightly. Izumi walked out of the house leaving the doors open to air out the sitting room with Hisashi close to her.
"You do needlepoint?" She asked kneeling beside Rin. Gripping Hisashi as he began to try to steal the colorful thread Rin sighed.
"I am trying." Picking up the pendant she showed it to Izumi. "Lord Sesshomaru gave this to me. I want to embroider it onto the fabric to hang on the wall."
"Alright…" Izumi said encouraging her to continue.
"I am just not very good at it. My hands aren't made for this type of delicate work." Rin stated.
"I have not done needlepoint in quite some time." Izumi picked up the work she had done examining it. Rin whipped her head to her friend and smiled.
"You know how to embroider?"
"Of course. It is a requirement to learn as a lady." Rolling her eyes before settling them back on Rin she took in her hopeful gaze. "No."
"Oh please Izu!" Wrapping her arms around her shoulders she nuzzled her cheek. "Please do this for me and I promise I will repay you."
"I don't require anything." She retorted.
"Not now but someday you will and whatever it may be I will be happy to do or help."
"If I finish your needlepoint…" Izumi sighed handing Hisashi to Rin. "Take him."
"Thank you Izumi, I love you sister."
"Yeah, yeah…I love you too Rin." Picking up the pendant she inspected it laying it against the silky fabric. "You know, there is something you can do for me."
"What is it Izu?"
"Watch Hisashi for the night in your room tonight."
"I do that anyways but alright." She said slowly.
"With your door shut so he can't leave. Mine will be shut so he will not be able to enter."
"Mama's mean. She's going to kick you out." Holding Hisashi up to her he licked at her nose blissfully unaware of what she was saying. "Lets go pick your mama some flowers Hisashi."
Standing she gripped him closer as she looked down at Izumi who was starting to color match the threads. "When do you think you will be done?"
"When I am done." She replied glancing up at her. Smiling Rin walked onto the grass placing Hisashi in the grass to sniff around.
Kneeling down she kept her eye on him as she picked flowers choosing the best wild blooms for her friend.
A/N: I am somewhat softening the blow of what is to come in the next few chapters. So I hope you enjoyed these happy chapters because darker clouds are on the horizon for a bit.
Happy reading.